One of the most common questions students and parents ask One Education’s counsellors is, “Is it safe to study abroad?” It is a natural concern, especially when students are moving to a new country, living away from their families, and becoming independent for the first time. Australia and the United Kingdom have well-established education systems that provide extensive support for international students, including healthcare, transport, campus security, and emergency assistance. Every year, hundreds of thousands of students from around the world choose to study in both countries, and the vast majority enjoy a safe and positive experience throughout their studies.

That said, no country is completely risk-free. Personal safety depends not only on where you study, but also on how well you prepare, where you choose to live, how familiar you are with your surroundings, and the decisions you make in everyday life. Students who plan ahead, make use of university support services, and follow basic safety advice generally settle in quickly and enjoy their study abroad experience with confidence.

Why are Australia and the UK popular destinations for international students?

Australia and the UK welcome large numbers of international students every year, so both countries have dedicated support systems designed specifically for student life. Most universities place strong emphasis on student wellbeing, covering not only academics but also personal safety, physical and mental health, and overall quality of life. Many university cities also offer reliable public transport, well-lit streets around campus, and dedicated security staff, making it easier for students to travel between campus and their accommodation safely.

How do universities support student safety?

Most universities provide a wide range of services that many students may not realise are available, including:

• 24-hour campus security
• Emergency contact numbers
• Student Support and Student Welfare teams
• International Student Offices
• Orientation programmes covering safety and daily life
• Mental health and wellbeing services

During Orientation Week, students are usually introduced to public transport, emergency services, scam awareness, and where to seek help if problems arise. These sessions are particularly valuable for students arriving overseas for the first time.

5 Essential Tips for Staying Safe While Studying Abroad

1. Choose accommodation carefully

Choosing the right accommodation is one of the most important aspects of living abroad. For first-year students, on-campus accommodation or purpose-built student accommodation is often the best option, as these typically offer secure key-card or coded entry, on-site staff, and locations close to the university, helping to reduce travel-related risks.

If you plan to rent a private house or apartment, be sure to research the neighbourhood, read reviews from previous tenants, and check transport links and commuting times before signing a tenancy agreement.

2. Learn your local transport system

When you first arrive in a new country, take some time to familiarise yourself with the routes between your accommodation, university, and other important locations. Learn how to use local public transport, including trains, buses, trams, and underground services, as well as ride-hailing apps such as Uber. If you need to travel at night, choose well-lit routes with plenty of people around and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas whenever possible.

3. Protect yourself from scams

International students are often targeted by scammers posing as police officers, immigration officials, or government agencies. Be cautious if you receive phone calls demanding payment, suspicious emails, scam text messages (SMS), or links asking for your personal information. Most universities provide guidance on how to recognise and avoid scams during Orientation, so be sure to attend these sessions and stay informed about the latest scam alerts.

4. Manage your money safely

There is generally no need to carry large amounts of cash in many countries. Instead, use a debit card, credit card, travel card, or mobile payment services whenever possible. It’s also a good idea to enable mobile banking and save your bank’s emergency contact number so you can quickly freeze your card if it is lost or stolen.

5. Trust your instincts

If a situation or place makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, leave immediately. Never feel pressured to stay somewhere that doesn’t feel right. Your personal safety should always come first.

Are Australian and UK cities safe?

Overall, yes. Popular student cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, London,
Birmingham or Manchester are generally considered safe and are home to large international student communities.However, every city has neighbourhoods that are safer than others, particularly after dark. Rather than asking which city is safest, it is more useful to ask which areas are most suitable for students.

Once you arrive, ask university staff, accommodation managers, or senior students for advice about local neighbourhoods and any areas to avoid.

What should you do in an emergency?

If you ever feel unsafe:

1. Move to a busy public place.
2. Contact your university’s security team.
3. Call the country’s emergency services.
4. Contact a friend, your accommodation manager, or your family.

Emergency numbers to remember:

📞 Australia: 000

📞 United Kingdom: 999

It is a good idea to save these numbers in your phone as soon as you arrive.

Tips for parents

Many parents worry about staying in touch once their child moves overseas. Fortunately, modern communication makes this much easier than it used to be. Students can stay connected with family every day using apps such as LINE or WhatsApp. Setting a regular schedule, such as a weekly video call, can provide reassurance and help both students and parents feel more connected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you’re planning to study in Australia or the UK, the team at One Education is here to help every step of the way. From choosing the right university and city to student visa applications, accommodation advice, pre-departure preparation, and settling into life overseas, we provide comprehensive support so both students and parents can begin this exciting journey with confidence.

Interested in Studying in Australia or the UK?

For more information and assistance with the application process, you can contact One Education, an official representative of Australian and UK Universities. We offer free consultation and support throughout your application journey.   
Add our Line official account: @one-edu   
Submit an enquiry form. We will get back to you as soon as possible.    
Call us: 02-652-0718     

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